Citizenship Guide
The Canadian citizenship test
In short
In short: If you’re 18 to 54 when you sign your citizenship application, you’ll take the citizenship test. It has 20 multiple-choice and true-or-false questions, you have 45 minutes, and you need 15 correct answers (75%) to pass. IRCC says you can take it in English or French. Every question is based on the official study guide, Discover Canada.
Last reviewed: . Written and checked against official sources by ChowChow Labs, an independent study website. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Who takes the test
Most applicants who are 18 to 54 on the day they sign their application must take the test. Applicants under 18 or 55 and older don’t, and some people receive a waiver.
Format
- 20 questions, multiple choice or true or false
- 45 minutes, with a timer that can’t be paused
- 15 correct answers (75%) to pass
- Offered in English or French: you choose
- Most people take it online with a computer and webcam, within 30 days of the invitation. Some take it in person or by video call if they need an accommodation.
- You have 3 chances to pass. After that, IRCC may invite you to a hearing or interview.
What the test covers
Questions come from Discover Canada (opens in a new tab): the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, who Canadians are, Canada’s history, modern Canada, how Canadians govern themselves, federal elections, the justice system, Canadian symbols, the economy and the regions. Our study by topic pages summarize each chapter.
About practice questions (including ours)
Our mock exams and study questions are written independently by ChowChow Labs from the facts in Discover Canada. They are not real IRCC test questions, and no website has the official questions. Use practice to check what you know, but read Discover Canada itself too. A good practice score doesn’t guarantee you’ll pass.
Our practice exams are available in English or French, matching the languages IRCC offers. The French version is a best-effort translation of our English questions.
How to prepare
- Read Discover Canada from start to finish.
- Study one topic at a time and test yourself as you go.
- Take timed mock exams to get used to 20 questions in 45 minutes. Mock Exams 1 to 7 are free.
- Follow a 7-day or 30-day study plan.
Common questions
How many questions are on the Canadian citizenship test?
20 questions, each multiple choice or true or false.
What is the passing score?
At least 15 correct answers out of 20 (75%).
How long is the citizenship test?
45 minutes.
Can I take the citizenship test in French?
Yes. IRCC says you can take the test in English or French.
Can I take the test in another language, such as Chinese?
No. The official test is offered in English or French only. You can study in any language, but practise in the language you’ll take the test in.
What happens if I fail?
You have 3 chances to pass. Depending on your results, IRCC may invite you to another test, an interview or a hearing.
Practise for the citizenship test
Try free timed mock exams in English or French, or study by topic with questions and answers.
Official sources
Government pages are in English and French.
- IRCC: How the citizenship test works (English or French) (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Taking the citizenship test online (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Study for the citizenship test (opens in a new tab)
- Discover Canada, the official study guide (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Who can apply for citizenship (opens in a new tab)
Related guides
- How to apply for Canadian citizenshipStep-by-step application guide, document checklist and what happens after you submit.
- Citizenship ceremony, oath and certificateWhat to expect and bring, the oath or affirmation, and your citizenship certificate.
- Canadian citizenship: an overviewWhat citizenship means and the steps from checking eligibility to your certificate.
Canadian Citizenship Test Prep is an independent educational resource made by ChowChow Labs. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC, Elections Canada or the Passport Program. Official rules can change: always confirm details with the linked authority. For questions about your own case, contact IRCC or a licensed lawyer or immigration consultant.